APersonIndependent states
Qutlugh Bilge Köl Qaghan
Founder of the Uyghur Khaganate (744-747): the khagan who overthrew the last remnants of the Göktürk Khaganate and founded a new Turkic state in the Orkhon valley.
Qutlugh Bilge Köl was of the Yaglakar clan of the Uyghur tribes. After Bilge Qaghan's death the Göktürk state weakened, and in 742 the Uyghurs, Basmyls and Karluks joined forces against the last Göktürk khagans.
In 744 Qutlugh Bilge Köl defeated his allies as well and was proclaimed khagan at Ötüken, and the Tang dynasty recognised him. The Uyghur Khaganate ruled the Mongolian steppe for about a century. He died in 747 and was succeeded by his son Bayanchur.
Sources
Updated: November 12, 2026